How to Add Charming Details for a Sweet, Southern Wedding

There's something so lovely about the South – and especially Southern weddings. The thought of warm summers spent on the porch sipping sweet tea evokes a sense of calm, even in the midst of wedding planning. And, if you are in fact planning a wedding in a Southern state, there's a good chance you'll want to offer this same sense of peace and comfort to your loved ones throughout the celebration.

From serving comfort foods and homemade pies, to utilizing monograms and oak tree motifs, there are plenty of ways to add a Southern homestyle twist to any wedding event. Whether you're hosting your wedding in the South or hope to infuse some Southern charm and hospitality into your wedding elsewhere, we've put together 15 ways to incorporate a taste of the South into your event. Have more ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments!

1. Choose a Southern SettingA charming lakeside setting is the perfect place to say "I do." The serene ceremony space can be set up under shady trees, or in an open field flooded with sunlight. Decorating the site with a wooden ceremony arch and aisle can add a bit of rustic flair to an alfresco setting regardless of location.Photo by Michael Carr Photography

2. Incorporate an Oak Tree MotifA symbol of the South, oak trees are often used in wedding motifs since they symbolize strength in love and life. In the case of this couple's wedding invitation, the mighty oak also represented the Southern location of their wedding.Photo by Adrienne Page

3. Offer Sweet Tea to GuestsNothing says the South more than a glass of sweet tea. Especially ideal for summer weddings, drink stations filled with refreshing iced tea will offer a soothing beverage for your guests during the ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. For an even more Southern twist, offer mason jars instead of traditional glassware.Photo by Meg Perotti

4. Decorate the Ceremony with Magnolia LeavesThis lakefront wedding ceremony featured an arch made of magnolia leaves, which are prevalent in Southern areas. The distinct golden brown and emerald green hues of the leaves are perfect for a rustic wedding with a Southern flair. Photo by Vue Photography

5. Wear Cowboy BootsWhether you want to show off your Southern style with cowboy boots in a short dress, or keep them hidden beneath a long gown, stylish boots are more comfortable than traditional wedding shoes and are perfect for brides and bridesmaids who want to stay true to their country roots.Photo by Stephen Karlisch

6. Provide Southern Goodie BagsSince guests were coming from across the country to attend their celebration in Charleston, South Carolina, this couple provided out-of-towners with welcome bags filled with Southern goodies including pralines, Charleston Chews, and biscuits. Fill your own welcome bags with local favorites that pay homage to the South.Photo by Adrienne Page

7. Serve Fried Southern Hors d'OeuvresFrom fried chicken to fried pickles, the South is known for their delectable crispy comfort foods. Even if your dinner menu features elegant formal fare, you can still offer Southern favorites as passed hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour! Photo by Vue Photography

8. Serve Drinks in Mason JarsTo instantly add Southern style to your wedding, serve drinks in mason jars tied with raffia ribbon. Not only are they easy for guests to hold as beverage containers, but they also make for adorable DIY centerpieces. Photo by Images by Berit, Inc.

9. Select a Southern-Inspired Signature CocktailPay homage to your hometown with a Southern cocktail, such as The Sazerac. This couple listed drink ingredients in gold foil on a coaster during the cocktail hour. Photo by 6 of Four Photography

10. Add Monogram DetailsPreppy Southern style is all about the monogram, and luckily, there are plenty of ways to incorporate your monogram into wedding décor. From gobo lighting on the dance floor, to embroidery on linen dinner napkins, to invitations and signs, the options are endless.Photo by Chrisman Studios

13. Choose State-Shaped Wedding FavorsShow your state pride with wedding favors! This couple celebrated the groom's home state of Texas by sending loved ones home with pralines in the shape of the Southern state.Photo by Steve Steinhardt

14. Give Homemade Jam as a Wedding FavorFreshly made jelly or jam served in a mason jar is a memorable favor that keeps on giving long after your big day. Use fresh seasonal ingredients that are local to the Southern region, or create your own unique varieties like this jalapeño jelly.Photo by Vue Photography

15. Present a Pie StationIf you love pie or peach cobbler, offer the freshly made desserts to your wedding guests. We've even seen a couple forego a wedding cake altogether and offer only a pie bar to loved ones!Photo by Dave Richards Photography